Abstract

A Red hind (“mero payaso”) spawning aggregation was scientifically validated, through 1) underwater visual censuses using SCUBA and 2) collection of individuals using spearfishing and hook and line, in the northeastern area of the Alacranes Reef National Park. A sample of 219 Epinephelus guttatus (126 males and 93 females) was taken from an aggregation on a specific site the full moon days of January, February and March 2009 in the fore reef between 20 - 30 m depth. Such a sample had individuals with a mean size of 38 cm (range 25 - 48 cm) in total length and 868 g (range 1860-240 g) in total weight exhibiting mature gonads through macroscopic analysis. Underwater surveys of eight 100 m-transects revealed that E. guttatus was forming small groupings (4 - 7 individuals) relatively close each other and interacting (i.e., chasing); such transects showed a density of 55 ind/100 m2. Previous knowledge on the existence of this aggregation emerged from semi-structured interviews applied to lobster fishers who traditionally catch this grouper. Information from this research will be considered within the conservation and management program of the Alacranes Reef National Park.